Valve has just released the Steam Link app for iOS and Apple TV, which will bring your Steam library and all the games in it to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. All you need then is an MFi or Steam controller paired with the device, and you can play your games running from a computer into any compatible Apple device. According to the requirements on the App Store, you'll need an iPhone or iPad using iOS 10 or higher, the computer (you can have it running Windows, Mac, or Linux), and both must be connected to the same local network.
For best performance, you'll want a computer plugged with an Ethernet cable to your 5Ghz WiFi router, and to keep your iOS device within a reasonable range of your router. Otherwise, you can expect some input lag. The technology is already pretty old, so much that the Steam Link device has been discontinued, and our TechRaptor staff writer correctly predicted the release of an iOS app. The app would have been available sooner, if not for the fact that Apple rejected it over "business conflicts."
Streaming is probably not high up in Valve's priorities right now, focused as they are on overhauling Steam for both gamers and developers, likely gearing up for the competition that has emerged last year when Epic Games Store was announced and started securing exclusives. They have also announced their new VR headset, Valve Index, which replaces the HTC Vive as their own exclusive device that appears to be cutting-edge. Additionally, they have announced their first full-on VR game for 2019 as a flagship title among several games they are working.While the physical Steam Link is gone, it appears that the ability to remotely play your Steam games on TV is something that will continue to be available from Valve.
Have you tried out the Steam Link app? Does it work well with Apple devices? Let us know in the comments below!
